Pasadena high-speed chase suspect tells police he fled because he was late for work

PASADENA -- A Pasadena man arrested early Saturday told police he led them on a high-speed pursuit the previous morning because he was late for work and is afraid of police, officials said.

Chilel Carlitos Lopez, 29, was arrested at his home about 3 a.m. Saturday on suspicion of felony evading of police, according to Pasadena police officials and Los Angeles County booking records. The arrest stemmed from an alleged high-speed chase Lopez led Pasadena officers on early the previous morning.

When arrested, “He admitted he fled from the officer because he was late to work,” Pasadena police Lt. Jason Clawson said. “He also said he was afraid of the police.”

The chase took place shortly after 5:30 a.m. Friday when an officer tried to pull over Lopez’s SUV at Fair Oaks Avenue and State Street, the lieutenant said.

“The driver fled,” Clawson said. The SUV headed south in South Pasadena at high speed before police lost sight of the vehicle after it turned onto Huntington Drive. The pursuit was discontinued, however police continued working to identify the driver.

Investigators showed up at Lopez’s home early Saturday after determining he was the registered owner of the car, Clawson said. The SUV was parked out front when they arrived.

According to county booking records, Lopez was being held in lieu of $75,000 bail at the Pasadena Police Department’s jail pending his initial court appearance.